Ö÷²¥´óÐã

In a tweet: Downpatrick stars bringeth the rock to Custom House Square.

What happened: It's been over 14 years since Ash released 1977, which makes the headline act tonight mere adolescents in comparison to Tim Wheeler and co. With Bloc Party guitarist Russell Lissack brought into the lineup for their latest A-Z tour, it's a slightly different band that take to the Belsonic Stage, but once the first drumbeat kicks in it's business as usual.

Starting things off with A Life Less Ordinary and diving headfirst into their illustrious back catalogue, there really isn't a lull or a dull moment to speak of. Some of the older tracks such as 'Kung Fu' get a surprisingly poor response from the crowd - perhaps it's due to the low average age of those close to the front - but the band's sheer showmanship keeps them interested as they mix things up on stage, extending guitar solos and occasionally showboating.

The newer material such as 'Dionysian Urge' isn't quite up to the same standard as the classics, but the frankly epic 'Return of White Rabbit' shows that the lads can crank out a showstopper when they need it. It also seems that the old wives' tale in regards to Tim Wheeler is no longer true: his voice is surprisingly strong these days and for the most part flawless. It's an absolute stormer of a set and it's a real reminder that Ash are still a force to be reckoned with.

Oh Yeah: Finishing with 'Burn Baby Burn'. A real gem of a pop punk tune and a great guitar riff.

Meltdown: In regards to sound the first half of the set wasn't quite right. The drums were overpowering Wheeler's vocals and the rhythm guitar was almost inaudible at times from a fairly central position. Towards the end of the set, however, things were rectified.

Belsonic rating: 7/10